NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight
Chapter 11
Glimpses of India
A Baker from Goa
Updated For 2024-2025
Exams
Thinking about the Text
Q.1: What are the elders in Goa
nostalgic about?
Answer:
The elders in Goa are nostalgic about the Portuguese days and the loaves of
bread that were a regular part of their lives. They fondly remember the tradition
of bread-making that continues to exist in Goa, even though the Portuguese have
left.
Q.2: Is bread-making still popular in
Goa? How do you know?
Answer:
Yes, bread-making is still popular in Goa. We know this because the narrator
mentions that the bakers, known as pader, still exist in Goan villages,
and the thud and jingle of their bamboo sticks can still be heard. The
tradition of baking bread continues through generations.
Q.3: What is the baker called?
Answer:
The baker is called a pader in Goa. This term has been passed down from
the Portuguese era, and even today, bakers in Goa are known by this name.
Q.4: When would the baker come every
day? Why did the children run to meet him?
Answer:
The baker would come twice a day—once in the morning and once after he had sold
all the loaves. The children would run to meet him because they were excited to
receive bread-bangles and sometimes sweet bread, which were their favorites.
Q.5: Match the following. What is a
must
(i) as
marriage gifts? – Sweet bread called bol
(ii) for a party or a feast? – Bread
(iii) for a daughter’s engagement? – Sandwiches
(iv) for Christmas? – Cakes and bolinhas
Q.6: What did the bakers wear: (i) in
the Portuguese days? (ii) when the author was young?
Answer:
(i) In the Portuguese days, the bakers wore a traditional dress called the kabai,
a single-piece long frock reaching down to the knees.
(ii) When the author was young, the bakers wore a shirt and trousers that were
longer than half-pants but shorter than full-length trousers.
Q.7: Who invites the comment — “he is
dressed like a pader”? Why?
Answer:
Anyone wearing half-pants that reach just below the knees invites the comment,
“he is dressed like a pader.” This is because the bakers, or paders, used to
wear such trousers, and it became associated with their profession.
Q.8: Where were the monthly accounts of
the baker recorded?
Answer:
The monthly accounts of the baker were usually recorded on some wall in pencil.
This informal method of accounting was used by the bakers to keep track of
their sales.
Q.9: What does a ‘jackfruit-like
appearance’ mean?
Answer:
A ‘jackfruit-like appearance’ refers to a plump and well-rounded physique. The
bakers, known for their prosperity, were often described as having this
appearance, symbolizing that they never went hungry and were well-fed.
Thinking about Language
Q.1: Which of these statements are
correct?
(i) The
pader was an important person in the village in old times.
Answer: Correct.
(ii) Paders
still exist in Goan villages.
Answer: Correct.
(iii) The
paders went away with the Portuguese.
Answer: Incorrect.
(iv) The
paders continue to wear a single-piece long frock.
Answer: Incorrect.
(v) Bread
and cakes were an integral part of Goan life in the old days.
Answer: Correct.
(vi) Traditional
bread-baking is still a very profitable business.
Answer: Correct.
(vii) Paders
and their families starve in the present times.
Answer: Incorrect.
Q.2: Is bread an important part of Goan
life? How do you know this?
Answer:
Yes, bread is an important part of Goan life. This is evident because bread is
essential for various occasions, such as marriage gifts, engagement ceremonies,
parties, and festivals like Christmas. The presence of a baker is considered
vital in every Goan village.
Q.3: Tick the right answer. What is the
tone of the author when he says the following?
(i) The thud
and the jingle of the traditional baker’s bamboo can still be heard in some
places.
Answer: Nostalgic
(ii) Maybe
the father is not alive but the son still carries on the family profession.
Answer: Nostalgic
(iii) I
still recall the typical fragrance of those loaves.
Answer: Nostalgic
(iv) The
tiger never brushed his teeth. Hot tea could wash and clean up everything so
nicely, after all.
Answer: Funny
(v) Cakes
and bolinhas are a must for Christmas as well as other festivals.
Answer: Matter-of-fact
(vi) The
baker and his family never starved. They always looked happy and prosperous.
Answer: Matter-of-fact
Thinking about Language (continued)
Q.4: In this extract, the author talks
about traditional bread-baking during his childhood days. Complete the
following table with the help of the clues on the left. Then write a paragraph
about the author’s childhood days.
|
Clues |
Author’s childhood |
|
The way bread was baked |
In age-old, time-tested furnaces |
|
The way the pader sold bread |
The pader sold bread by going |
|
What the pader wore |
The pader wore a single-piece long |
|
When the pader was paid |
The pader collected his bills at the |
|
How the pader looked |
The pader was usually plump and |
Paragraph:
In the author’s childhood days, bread was baked in traditional, time-tested
furnaces that had been in use for generations. The pader, or baker, would go
door-to-door, carrying a basket of bread on his head and greeting customers
with the sound of his bamboo staff. He wore a distinctive frock-like garment
called the kabai. The pader would collect his bills at the end of each
month, and his plump, happy appearance was a testament to the success of his
profession. Bread was an integral part of village life, and the pader played an
important role in it.
Q.5: Compare the piece from the text
(on the left below) with the other piece on Goan bakers (on the right). What
makes the two texts so different? Are the facts the same? Do both writers give
you a picture of the baker?
Answer:
The two texts differ in tone and focus. The text on the left is nostalgic,
reflecting the author’s fond memories of traditional Goan bakers, while the
text on the right is more factual, highlighting the resilience of the bakers
and how they adapted to modern times. Both texts provide a picture of the
baker, but the left text focuses more on the emotional connection to the past,
while the right text emphasizes the continuity of the baker’s profession
despite changing times. The facts are generally the same, but each writer
presents the information with a different perspective.
Q.6: Find a travel brochure about a
place you have visited. Look at the description in the brochure. Then write
your own account, adding details from your own experience, to give the reader a
picture of the place, rather than an impersonal, factual description.
Answer:
This is a creative activity where you can choose a place you’ve visited, refer
to a travel brochure for factual information, and then write about your
personal experiences of the place. Describe the sights, sounds, and emotions
you felt during your visit to make the description more engaging and personal
for the reader.
Q.7: In groups, collect information on
how bakeries bake bread now and how the process has changed over time.
Answer:
This is a group activity that requires research on the modern methods of
bread-making, comparing them to traditional methods. Today, bread is mostly
made in factories using automated machinery, which is much faster and more
efficient than the manual processes used in the past. Traditional wood-fired
ovens have been largely replaced by modern electric or gas ovens.
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight
II. Coorg
Updated For 2024-2025
Exams
Thinking about the Text
Q.1: Where is Coorg?
Answer:
Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is located midway between Mysore and the coastal
town of Mangalore in the state of Karnataka, India. It is a region known for
its coffee plantations, lush greenery, and beautiful landscapes.
Q.2: What is the story about the Kodavu
people’s descent?
Answer:
There are two theories about the descent of the Kodavu people. One theory
suggests that they are of Greek descent, possibly from soldiers of Alexander’s
army who settled in the region after being unable to return to Greece. The
other theory proposes that they have Arabic origins, supported by the
traditional attire they wear, which resembles the kuffia worn by Arabs.
Q.3: What are some of the things you
now know about:
(i) the
people of Coorg?
Answer:
The people of Coorg, known as Kodavus, are known for their hospitality,
courage, and martial traditions. They are proud and fiercely independent, and
many of them have served in the Indian Army. They are the only people in India
permitted to carry firearms without a license.
(ii) the
main crop of Coorg?
Answer:
The main crop of Coorg is coffee. The region is famous for its coffee
plantations, which contribute to its economy and are a major part of its
identity.
(iii) the
sports it offers to tourists?
Answer:
Coorg offers a range of adventure sports for tourists, including river rafting,
canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, mountain biking, and trekking. The
region’s natural beauty and challenging terrains make it a favorite destination
for outdoor activities.
Q.4: The animals you are likely to see
in Coorg?
Answer:
In Coorg, one can see a variety of animals, including kingfishers, squirrels,
langurs, and elephants. The river Kaveri is also home to the Mahaseer, a large
freshwater fish. The forests of Coorg are teeming with wildlife, making it an
ideal destination for nature lovers.
Q.5: Its distance from Bangalore, and
how to get there?
Answer:
Coorg is located approximately 260 kilometers from Bangalore. To get there, you
can travel by road, with the route via Mysore being the most popular. The
nearest airports are in Mangalore (135 km) and Bangalore (260 km). The nearest
railway stations are in Mysore, Mangalore, and Hassan.
Thinking about Language
Q.1: Here are six sentences with some
words in italics. Find phrases from the text that have the same meaning. (Look
in the paragraphs indicated)
(i) During
monsoons, it rains so heavily that tourists do not visit Coorg.
Answer: During the monsoons, it pours enough to keep many visitors
away. (para 2)
(ii) Some
people say that Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled there.
Answer: As one story goes, a part of Alexander’s army moved south
along the coast and settled here. (para 3)
(iii) The
Coorg people are always ready to tell stories of their sons’ and fathers’
valour.
Answer: They are more than willing to recount numerous tales of
valour related to their sons and fathers. (para 4)
(iv) Even
people who normally lead an easy and slow life get smitten by the high-energy
adventure sports of Coorg.
Answer: The most laidback individuals become converts to the life of
high-energy adventure. (para 6)
(v) The
theory of the Arab origin is supported by the long coat with an embroidered
waist-belt they wear.
Answer: The theory of Arab origin draws support from the long, black
coat with an embroidered waist-belt. (para 3)
(vi) Macaques,
Malabar squirrels observe you carefully from the tree canopy.
Answer: Macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs, and slender loris keep
a watchful eye from the tree canopy. (para 7)
Q.2: Complete the following phrases from
the text. For each phrase, can you find at least one other word that would fit
into the blank?
(i) tales of
valour
(ii) coastal town
(iii) a piece of heaven
(iv) evergreen rainforests
(v) coffee plantations
(vi) rope bridge
(vii) wild elephants
Q.3: Collocations: Work with a partner
and discuss which of the nouns can collocate with which of the adjectives given
below.
- culture: unique culture, ancient culture
- monks: serious monks
- surprise: sudden surprise, pleasant
surprise - experience: unforgettable experience, unique
experience - weather: terrible weather, pleasant
weather - tradition: ancient tradition, unique
tradition
Thinking about Language (continued)
Q.4: Complete the following phrases
from the text. For each phrase, can you find at least one other word that would
fit into the blank?
(i) tales of
valour
- Alternative: tales of courage
(ii) coastal town - Alternative: coastal village
(iii) a piece of heaven - Alternative: a piece of
paradise
(iv) evergreen rainforests - Alternative: evergreen forests
(v) coffee plantations - Alternative: tea plantations
(vi) rope bridge - Alternative: suspension bridge
(vii) wild elephants - Alternative: wild animals
Q.5: Collocations
Use the nouns and adjectives from the collocation exercise in a paragraph about
Coorg.
Answer:
Coorg is a region known for its unique culture and ancient tradition
of hospitality. The weather in Coorg is often pleasant, though visitors
must be prepared for the occasional terrible monsoon rains. Exploring
the evergreen rainforests is an unforgettable experience,
offering surprises at every turn. Encountering serious monks from the
nearby Tibetan settlement is a pleasant surprise for many tourists.
Coorg is truly a destination that blends ancient culture with modern
adventure.
Q.6: Use these words appropriately in
the sentences below.
(upkeep, downpour, undergo, dropout, walk-in)
(i) A heavy
downpour has been forecast due to low pressure in the Bay of Bengal.
(ii) Rakesh will undergo major surgery tomorrow morning.
(iii) My brother is responsible for the upkeep of our family property.
(iv) The dropout rate for this accountancy course is very high.
(v) She went to the Enterprise Company to attend a walk-in interview.
Q.7: Now fill in the blanks in the
sentences given below by combining the verb given in brackets with one of the
words from the box as appropriate.
(over, by,
through, out, up, down)
(i) The Army
attempted unsuccessfully to overthrow the Government. (throw)
(ii) Scientists are on the brink of a major breakthrough in cancer
research. (break)
(iii) The State Government plans to build a bypass for Bhubaneswar to
speed up traffic on the main highway. (pass)
(iv) Gautama’s outlook on life changed when he realized that the world
is full of sorrow. (look)
(v) Rakesh seemed unusually cast down after the game. (cast)
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight
III. Tea from Assam
Updated For 2024-2025
Exams
Thinking about Language
Q.1: Look at these words: upkeep,
downpour, undergo, dropout, walk-in. They are built up from a verb (keep, pour,
go, drop, walk) and an adverb or a particle (up, down, under, out, in). Use
these words appropriately in the sentences below. You may consult a dictionary.
(i) A heavy
downpour has been forecast due to low pressure in the Bay of Bengal.
(ii) Rakesh will undergo major surgery tomorrow morning.
(iii) My brother is responsible for the upkeep of our family property.
(iv) The dropout rate for this accountancy course is very high.
(v) She went to the Enterprise Company to attend a walk-in interview.
Q.2: Now fill in the blanks in the
sentences given below by combining the verb given in brackets with one of the
words from the box as appropriate.
(over, by,
through, out, up, down)
(i) The Army
attempted unsuccessfully to overthrow the Government. (throw)
(ii) Scientists are on the brink of a major breakthrough in cancer
research. (break)
(iii) The State Government plans to build a bypass for Bhubaneswar to
speed up traffic on the main highway. (pass)
(iv) Gautama’s outlook on life changed when he realized that the world
is full of sorrow. (look)
(v) Rakesh seemed unusually cast down after the game. (cast)
Q.3: Notice how these -ing and -ed
adjectives are used.
(a) Chess is an
interesting game. I am very interested in chess.
(b) Going trekking in the Himalayas this summer is an exciting idea. We
are very excited about the trek.
(c) Are all your school books this boring? He was bored as he had
no friends there.
The -ing
adjectives show the
qualities that chess, trekking, or books have: they cause interest, excitement,
or boredom in you.
The -ed adjectives show your mental or physical state: how you feel in
response to ideas, events, or things.
Q.4: Think of suitable -ing or -ed
adjectives to answer the following questions. You may also use words from those
given above.
(i) How
would you describe a good detective serial on television?
Answer: Interesting
(ii) How
would you describe a debate on your favorite topic ‘Homework Should Be Banned’?
Answer: Exciting
(iii) How
would you describe how you feel when you stay indoors due to incessant rain?
Answer: Bored
(iv) How
would you describe how you feel when you open a present?
Answer: Excited
(v) How
would you describe how you feel when you watch your favorite program on
television?
Answer: Interested
(vi) How
would you describe the look on your mother’s face as you waited in a queue?
Answer: Bored
(vii) How
would you describe how you feel when tracking a tiger in a tiger reserve
forest?
Answer: Excited
(viii) How
would you describe the story you have recently read, or a film you have seen?
Answer: Interesting
Q.5: Write a paragraph describing a
visit to a tea garden. Use the following hints:
- Hints: Where the garden was — what you
saw — what you heard — what you felt (e.g., on an early morning visit)
Answer:
Last summer, I visited a beautiful tea garden in Assam. The garden stretched
over vast acres of land with lush green tea bushes neatly lined up in rows. The
early morning air was crisp and cool, and the scent of fresh tea leaves filled
the atmosphere. As I walked through the garden, I heard the soft rustling of
leaves in the gentle breeze and the rhythmic plucking of tea leaves by the
workers. Their skilled hands swiftly moved through the bushes, plucking the
tender leaves and tossing them into baskets strapped to their backs. The
peaceful environment and the sight of the rolling hills covered in tea plants
left me feeling calm and refreshed. It was a memorable experience that gave me
a deeper appreciation for the tea-making process.
Q.6: Complete the following sentences
using suitable adverbs or adjectives.
(i) The
tourists were walking _______ to see the tea gardens.
Answer: The tourists were walking eagerly to see the tea gardens.
(ii) It was
a _______ view.
Answer: It was a beautiful view.
(iii) The
tea pluckers were plucking leaves _______ from the bushes.
Answer: The tea pluckers were plucking leaves carefully from the bushes.
(iv) The
factory was operating _______ to produce the finest tea.
Answer: The factory was operating efficiently to produce the
finest tea.
(v) The
weather was _______ perfect for a tea garden visit.
Answer: The weather was absolutely perfect for a tea garden
visit.